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Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by itching, epidermal barrier dysfunction, and an unbalanced inflammatory reaction. AD... (Review)
Review
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by itching, epidermal barrier dysfunction, and an unbalanced inflammatory reaction. AD pathophysiology involves a dysregulated immune response driven by T helper-2 cells. Many factors, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), are involved in AD pathogenesis by causing cellular damage and inflammation resulting in skin barrier dysfunction. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of natural molecules and antioxidant compounds, highlighting their potential therapeutic value in AD prevention and management. They include vitamin D, vitamin E, pyridoxine, Vitamin C, carotenoids, and melatonin. Some studies report a statistically significant association between antioxidant levels and improvement in AD, however, there are conflicting results in which antioxidant supplementation, especially Vitamin D, did not result in improvement in AD. Therefore, the clinical efficacy of these dietary nutritional factors in the treatment of AD needs to be further evaluated in clinical trials. Meanwhile, antioxidants can be incorporated into the management of AD patients in a personalized manner, tailored to the severity of the disease, comorbidities, and individual needs.
PubMed: 38933878
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1393673 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Jun 2024The majority of neurodegenerative eye disorders occur with aging and significantly impair quality of life. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third most... (Review)
Review
The majority of neurodegenerative eye disorders occur with aging and significantly impair quality of life. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third most common cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. One of the most important elements in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative eye disease is certainly oxidative stress, with neuroinflammation and ocular ischemia which may also be significant factors. Antioxidants, either by food or oral supplementation, may be able to mitigate the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species that build as a result of oxidative stress, ischemia, and inflammation. Over the past few decades, a number of research works examining the potential adjuvant impact of antioxidants in AMD have been published. In fact, there is not only more and more interest in already known molecules but also in new molecules that can help clinicians in the management of this complex multifactorial disease, such as astaxanthin and melatonin. However, while some studies showed encouraging outcomes, others were conflicting. In addition, more and more attention is also being paid to nutrition, considered a pivotal key point, especially to prevent AMD. For this reason, the purpose of this review is to analyze the main antioxidant molecules currently used as oral supplements for AMD treatment, as well as the role of diet and food intake in this ocular disease, to better understand how all these factors can improve the clinical management of AMD patients.
PubMed: 38929874
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060653 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024This study investigated the effects of rumen-protected L-tryptophan or L-ascorbic acid supplementation on the productivity of lactating Holstein cows during a...
This study investigated the effects of rumen-protected L-tryptophan or L-ascorbic acid supplementation on the productivity of lactating Holstein cows during a high-temperature period. Thirty cows were assigned to three dietary groups: control (CON), treatment 1 (TRT 1; rumen-protected L-tryptophan, 20 g/cow/d), and treatment 2 (TRT 2; rumen-protected L-ascorbic acid, 20 g/cow/d). As the high-temperature period progressed, the decrease in milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) in the TRT 1 and TRT 2 groups was lower than that in the CON group. The total protein level in the plasma of the TRT 1 group was higher than that in the CON group ( < 0.05). Milk melatonin concentration was higher in the TRT 1 group than in the CON and TRT 2 groups ( < 0.05). Thus, the present results indicate that rumen-protected L-tryptophan or L-ascorbic acid has positive effects in preventing declines in DMI and milk yield by reducing heat stress in Holstein cows. In particular, rumen-protected L-tryptophan is considered effective in increasing the melatonin concentration in milk.
PubMed: 38929439
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121820 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The indolamine hormone melatonin, also known as N-acetyl-5-methoxytrypamine, is frequently associated with circadian rhythm regulation. Light can suppress melatonin... (Review)
Review
The indolamine hormone melatonin, also known as N-acetyl-5-methoxytrypamine, is frequently associated with circadian rhythm regulation. Light can suppress melatonin secretion, and photoperiod regulates melatonin levels by promoting its production and secretion at night in response to darkness. This hormone is becoming more and more understood for its functions as an immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant hormone. Melatonin may have a major effect on several diabetes-related disturbances, such as hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders, according to recent research. This has raised interest in investigating the possible therapeutic advantages of melatonin in the treatment of diabetic complications. In addition, several studies have described that melatonin has been linked to the development of diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, immune system disorders, and heart diseases. In this review, we will highlight some of the functions of melatonin regarding vascular biology.
PubMed: 38929187
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060747 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Horticultural crops play a vital role in global food production, nutrition, and the economy. Horticultural crops are highly vulnerable to abiotic stresses. These abiotic... (Review)
Review
Horticultural crops play a vital role in global food production, nutrition, and the economy. Horticultural crops are highly vulnerable to abiotic stresses. These abiotic stresses hinder plant growth and development by affecting seed germination, impairing photosynthetic activity, and damaging root development, thus leading to a decrease in fruit yield, quality, and productivity. Scientists have conducted extensive research to investigate the mechanisms of resilience and the ability to cope with environmental stresses. In contrast, the use of phytohormones to alleviate the detrimental impacts of abiotic stresses on horticulture plants has been generally recognized as an effective method. Among phytohormones, melatonin (MT) is a novel plant hormone that regulates various plants' physiological functions such as seedling development, root system architecture, photosynthetic efficiency, balanced redox homeostasis, secondary metabolites production, accumulation of mineral nutrient uptake, and activated antioxidant defense system. Importantly, MT application significantly restricted heavy metals (HMs) uptake and increased mineral nutrient accumulation by modifying the root architecture system. In addition, MT is a naturally occurring, multifunctional, nontoxic biomolecule having antioxidant properties. Furthermore, this review described the hormonal interaction between MT and other signaling molecules in order to enhance abiotic stress tolerance in horticulture crops. This review focuses on current research advancements and prospective approaches for enhancing crop tolerance to abiotic stress.
PubMed: 38929102
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060663 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Insomnia is a major global health issue, highlighting the need for treatments that are both effective and safe. Valerian extract, a traditional remedy for sleep...
Insomnia is a major global health issue, highlighting the need for treatments that are both effective and safe. Valerian extract, a traditional remedy for sleep problems, offers potential therapeutic options. This research examined the potential sleep-enhancing effects of VA (Valerian Pdr%2) in mice. The study evaluated sleep quality by comparing the impact of the VA extract against melatonin on brain activity, using electrocorticography (ECoG) to assess changes in brain waves. For this purpose, the study utilized two experimental models on BALB/c mice to explore the effects of caffeine-induced insomnia and pentobarbital-induced sleep. In the first model, 25 mice were assigned to five groups to test the effects of caffeine (caffeine, 7.5 mg/kg i.p) alone, caffeine with melatonin (2 mg/kg), or caffeine with different doses of valerian extract (100 or 300 mg/kg) given orally on brain activity, assessed via electrocorticography (ECoG) and further analyses on the receptor proteins and neurotransmitters. In the second model, a different set of 25 mice were divided into five groups to examine the impact of pentobarbital (42 mg/kg) alone, with melatonin, or with the valerian extract on sleep induction, observing the effects 45 min after administration. The study found that ECoG frequencies were lower in groups treated with melatonin and two doses of valerian extract (100 and 300 mg/kg), with 300 mg/kg showing the most significant effect in reducing frequencies compared to the caffeine control group, indicating enhanced sleep quality ( < 0.05). This was supported by increased levels of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine and higher levels of certain brain receptors in the melatonin and valerian extract groups ( < 0.05). Modulatory efficacy for the apoptotic markers in the brain was also noted ( < 0.05). Additionally, melatonin and both doses of VA increased sleep duration and reduced sleep onset time compared to the pentobarbital control, which was particularly notable with high doses. In conclusion, the findings suggest that high doses (300 mg/kg) of valerian extract enhance both the quantity and quality of sleep through the GABAergic pathway and effectively increase sleep duration while reducing the time to fall asleep in a pentobarbital-induced sleep model in mice.
PubMed: 38929096
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060657 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Melatonin (MEL), a hormone primarily known for its role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms in animals, has emerged as a multifaceted molecule in plants. Recent... (Review)
Review
Melatonin (MEL), a hormone primarily known for its role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms in animals, has emerged as a multifaceted molecule in plants. Recent research has shed light on its diverse functions in plant growth and defense mechanisms. This review explores the intricate roles of MEL in plant growth and defense responses. MEL is involved in plant growth owing to its influence on hormone regulation. MEL promotes root elongation and lateral root formation and enhances photosynthesis, thereby promoting overall plant growth and productivity. Additionally, MEL is implicated in regulating the circadian rhythm of plants, affecting key physiological processes that influence plant growth patterns. MEL also exhibits antioxidant properties and scavenges reactive oxygen species, thereby mitigating oxidative stress. Furthermore, it activates defense pathways against various biotic stressors. MEL also enhances the production of secondary metabolites that contribute to plant resistance against environmental changes. MEL's ability to modulate plant response to abiotic stresses has also been extensively studied. It regulates stomatal closure, conserves water, and enhances stress tolerance by activating stress-responsive genes and modulating signaling pathways. Moreover, MEL and nitric oxide cooperate in stress responses, antioxidant defense, and plant growth. Understanding the mechanisms underlying MEL's actions in plants will provide new insights into the development of innovative strategies for enhancing crop productivity, improving stress tolerance, and combating plant diseases. Further research in this area will deepen our knowledge of MEL's intricate functions and its potential applications in sustainable agriculture.
Topics: Melatonin; Plant Development; Antioxidants; Stress, Physiological; Plants; Circadian Rhythm; Plant Growth Regulators; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
PubMed: 38928504
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126799 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024The flavonoids in citrus fruits are crucial physiological regulators and natural bioactive products of high pharmaceutical value. Melatonin is a pleiotropic hormone that...
The flavonoids in citrus fruits are crucial physiological regulators and natural bioactive products of high pharmaceutical value. Melatonin is a pleiotropic hormone that can regulate plant morphogenesis and stress resistance and alter the accumulation of flavonoids in these processes. However, the direct effect of melatonin on citrus flavonoids remains unclear. In this study, nontargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics were utilized to reveal how exogenous melatonin affects flavonoid biosynthesis in "Bingtangcheng" citrus fruits. The melatonin treatment at 0.1 mmol L significantly increased the contents of seven polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) and up-regulated a series of flavonoid pathway genes, including (4-coumaroyl CoA ligase), (flavone synthase), and (flavonoid hydroxylases). Meanwhile, (chalcone synthase) was down-regulated, causing a decrease in the content of most flavonoid glycosides. Pearson correlation analysis obtained 21 transcription factors co-expressed with differentially accumulated flavonoids, among which the AP2/EREBP members were the most numerous. Additionally, circadian rhythm and photosynthesis pathways were enriched in the DEG (differentially expressed gene) analysis, suggesting that melatonin might also mediate changes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway by affecting the fruit's circadian rhythm. These results provide valuable information for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms through which melatonin regulates citrus fruit metabolism.
Topics: Citrus; Melatonin; Flavonoids; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Fruit; Metabolomics; Gene Expression Profiling; Transcriptome; Metabolome; Plant Proteins
PubMed: 38928338
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126632 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Endometriosis in half of affected women is closely related to problems with fertility. Endometriosis-associated infertility is caused by a wide range of abnormalities... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis in half of affected women is closely related to problems with fertility. Endometriosis-associated infertility is caused by a wide range of abnormalities affecting the female reproductive tract, from oocyte quality impairment to disturbances in the eutopic endometrium or mechanical abnormalities resulting from disease progression. Since supportive antioxidant therapies, in addition to surgical treatment or assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), have overall been proven to be effective tools in endometriosis management, the objective of our review was to analyze the role of antioxidant substances, including vitamins, micronutrients, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), curcumin, melatonin, and resveratrol, in endometriosis-related infertility. Most of these substances have been proven to alleviate the systemic oxidant predominance, which has been expressed through decreased oxidative stress (OS) markers and enhanced antioxidative defense. In addition, we demonstrated that the predominant effect of the aforementioned substances is the inhibition of the development of endometriotic lesions as well as the suppression of pro-inflammatory molecules. Although we can undoubtedly conclude that antioxidants are beneficial in fertility support, further studies explaining the detailed pathways of their action are needed.
Topics: Endometriosis; Humans; Female; Antioxidants; Oxidative Stress; Infertility, Female; Acetylcysteine
PubMed: 38928002
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126298 -
Cancers Jun 2024Chemotherapy is one of the leading cancer treatments. Unfortunately, its use can contribute to several side effects, including gynotoxic effects in women. Ovarian... (Review)
Review
Chemotherapy is one of the leading cancer treatments. Unfortunately, its use can contribute to several side effects, including gynotoxic effects in women. Ovarian reserve suppression and estrogen deficiency result in reduced quality of life for cancer patients and are frequently the cause of infertility and early menopause. Classic alkylating cytostatics are among the most toxic chemotherapeutics in this regard. They cause DNA damage in ovarian follicles and the cells they contain, and they can also induce oxidative stress or affect numerous signaling pathways. In vitro tests, animal models, and a few studies among women have investigated the effects of various agents on the protection of the ovarian reserve during classic chemotherapy. In this review article, we focused on the possible beneficial effects of selected hormones (anti-Müllerian hormone, ghrelin, luteinizing hormone, melatonin), agents affecting the activity of apoptotic pathways and modulating gene expression (C1P, S1P, microRNA), and several natural (quercetin, rapamycin, resveratrol) and synthetic compounds (bortezomib, dexrazoxane, goserelin, gonadoliberin analogs, imatinib, metformin, tamoxifen) in preventing gynotoxic effects induced by commonly used cytostatics. The presented line of research appears to provide a promising strategy for protecting and/or improving the ovarian reserve in the studied group of cancer patients. However, well-designed clinical trials are needed to unequivocally assess the effects of these agents on improving hormonal function and fertility in women treated with ovotoxic anticancer drugs.
PubMed: 38927992
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122288